DC Natives is a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to restoring urban ecosystems one garden at a time. We work directly with DC residents to install native pollinator gardens in their yards, transforming private spaces into vital habitat corridors throughout the city. Every dollar you donate goes directly to plants and garden materials—not salaries, not overhead. Just gardens.

In October, monarch butterflies were arriving in droves across DC, searching for one thing: Asclepias (commonly known as milkweed). Asclepias is the only plant their caterpillars can eat to survive.

And because of our work together, they're finding it.

In 2017, DC Natives started with ten gardens in Washington, DC's Ward 7.

In 2024, we planted 77 gardens (34 spring + 43 fall) and 1,500 native plants across 6 of DC's 8 wards.

In 2025, we planted 111 gardens (62 spring + 49 fall) and 2,325 native plants.

The momentum is undeniable. It means monarchs finding milkweed. Native bees finding asters and goldenrod. Swallowtails finding mountain mint. It means connections between DC neighbors and nature and each other.

Now we're setting an ambitious goal: 200 gardens over the next 2 years.

But we need to be honest with you: 2025 has been a financially challenging year. Like many DC nonprofits, we've lost grant funding as entities that lost federal funds have turned to the same limited pool of philanthropic resources. The competition for grants has intensified, and we can no longer rely on institutional funding alone.

That's why we're turning to our community.

Since DC Natives began, we've been working toward something bigger than any single garden: transforming Washington, DC into a city where native plants and pollinators can thrive.

But here's what makes DC Natives different—and why your support matters so much: We're 100% volunteer-led and run.

That means every single dollar you donate goes directly to plants, soil, mulch, and garden materials. No salaries. No administrative overhead. Just volunteers who believe in the power of native plants to transform our city.

Between now and December 31st, we're raising $25,000 to fund 50 gardens in 2026—the first major step toward our goal of 200 gardens over two years. In this new funding landscape, community support isn't just helpful—it's essential.

Why This Matters

Every plant we install:

Provides food and habitat for native pollinators struggling to survive in urban landscapes
Supports the complex web of caterpillars, bees, butterflies, and birds that depend on native species
Reduces stormwater runoff and improves soil health
Eliminates the need for fertilizers and harmful pesticides
Creates beauty that changes with the seasons
Can be easily divided and shared with neighbors, multiplying habitat throughout communities

This Year's Progress

In 2025 (combining spring and fall seasons), we:

Installed 111 gardens across DC neighborhoods
Planted 2,325 native pollinator plants (not including demonstration gardens)
Worked with community members to complete gardens throughout the city
Provided environmental education about pollinator gardening through info sessions
Provided technical assistance, plants, and supplies to engaged participants

DC Natives faces ongoing, increasing demand for our services, specialized technical assistance, community connections, and native plants. What we need now is the funding to keep pace with the enthusiasm.

Your Impact

$500 sponsors one complete native pollinator garden (~21 plants and garden supplies)

$250 provides for approximately 10-11 native plants

$100 provides for approximately 4 native plants

$50 provides for 2 native plants $25 provides for 1 native plant

Any amount helps DC Natives reach its goal of 200 gardens.

The Path Forward

2024: 77 gardens planted ✓

2025: 111 gardens planted ✓

This campaign: 50 gardens funded 2026 goal: 100 gardens planted 2027 goal: 100 more gardens planted Total: 200 gardens creating pollinator corridors across DC

Every garden brings us closer. Every plant matters. Every donation counts.

Help us plant 200 native pollinator gardens over the next 2 years. 100% volunteer-led. 100% of your donation goes to garden materials.

Help Us Plant 200 Gardens Over the Next 2 Years